Library passes on bookmobile

January 21, 2002|By Sandra Del Re.

PALATINE — Based on staff opposition, the Palatine Public Library District has shelved plans to buy a used bookmobile, leaving library officials worried about what to do when the current one wears out.

The popular bookmobile serves a large population of Hispanic residents on the village's northeast side who do not have transportation to the library, library Executive Director Daniel G. Armstrong said.

"The [bookmobile] program is flourishing," Trustee Helen Schersten said at a recent library board meeting. "It's turned out to be a triumph. But the physical thing that carries it needs replacing."

The current bookmobile, purchased by the library about three years ago, is 23 years old, with 150,000 miles on the odometer.

Library officials were considering purchasing a used one from the Niles Public Library through an auction. Officials received $20,000 from the Friends of the Library, a fundraising group, to bid on the 10-year-old bus with 50,000 miles.

But staff members said the vehicle is too small, Trustee Peter Salter said.

Officials said they will form a committee to study the issue and make recommendations next month.